On the mantel (mantle)

A family of Hummels (each symbolic of an immediate family member), a three volume novelty display of antique books, a tri-fold picture frame complete with three children's photos, an assorted arrangement of sea shells wedged with broken sand dollar pieces, five candlesticks (2 of Jerusalem olive wood and 3 of polished brass), a large glazed pottery vase filled with decorative stalks of wheat, and a framed Italian watercolor of a seaside town centered above it all. What's this, you ask? A description of a fireplace mantel decorated by my in-laws.

The fireplace mantel originated in medieval times as a hood that projected over a grate to catch the smoke. Over time, as the placement of fireplaces moved to the wall, incorporating chimneys to vent the smoke, the term has evolved to include the decorative framework around the fireplace that can become the focal point of a room. In many ways, a mantel has become a decorative expression of ourselves.

In a similar way, I'm reminded of a mantle in the biblical sense. A different word, a different spelling, but the same pronunciation. The Hebrew word addereth, translated mantle, literally means "glory" or "cloak." It was traditionally a large, normally sleeveless garment made of rectangular pieces of thick material like wool, and adapted to a person's body not by cutting but by wrapping the cloth and holding it with clasps. It was a basic protection against the elements, a cover at night, and an important sign of dignity, status, and power as indicated by decoration, embroidery, dye, fringes, or tassels. To remove it signified a loss of status or transmission of power (often by receiving, touching, or grabbing the mantle). In the ancient world people seldom had multiple sets of clothing; thus garments were precious, expensive, and lasted a lifetime. A mantle was quite literally a symbol of your glory, a reflection of your identity. In one of the most famous biblical narratives, Elijah passes on his mantle to his disciple Elisha.

As I sit writing this morning, I'm staring at my own mantel. Just above the fireplace sits a Willowtree and a Hummel figure crafted of a married couple, a framed 10x13 from our wedding day and a 12x18 from a reception three years later, a picture of the "cutest kitty ever" and our first pet(now deceased), and a communion chalice and patten.
So, what's on your mantel/mantle? What does your cloak of glory look like? What does it say about you? And what will we pass on or transmit to others? Just something to think about. What are we decorating our lives with and what is the story it tells?